Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders offer a mouthwatering blend of savory and sweet flavors, elevating the classic chicken tender to new heights. This dish features tender chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a delectable brown sugar spice blend, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.
The essence of this dish lies in the contrast between the sweet, caramelized brown sugar and the savory, smoky bacon. As the chicken bakes, the brown sugar mixture melts and caramelizes, forming a glossy, sweet coating that enhances the natural juiciness of the chicken. Meanwhile, the bacon crisps up beautifully, providing a satisfying crunch and a burst of smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the sugar.
Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures—the tender, juicy chicken contrasts with the crispy bacon and the sweet, slightly sticky glaze. The blend of spices, including paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, adds layers of flavor that make every mouthful intriguing and satisfying.
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are versatile and ideal for various occasions. They are perfect for a casual family dinner, a special gathering, or as a flavorful appetizer for entertaining. The dish’s appealing presentation, with its caramelized, bacon-wrapped tenders, makes it both visually enticing and delicious.
This dish is not only a treat for the palate but also brings a touch of indulgence and comfort to the table. Its unique combination of sweet and savory elements ensures that it will be a memorable addition to any meal, leaving everyone looking forward to the next bite.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 10-12 pieces)
- 12 slices bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Rub the brown sugar mixture evenly over all sides of each chicken tender.
- Wrap with Bacon:
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if needed. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. To ensure even cooking, you may want to flip the tenders halfway through the baking time.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Remove toothpicks if used. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Tips:
- Bacon Crispiness: For extra crispy bacon, consider broiling the chicken tenders for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Brown Sugar Mixture: Adjust the amount of brown sugar in the spice mixture to suit your taste preferences; you can add more for a sweeter flavor or less for a more savory profile.
- Chicken Tender Preparation: Ensure the chicken tenders are of uniform size for even cooking.
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a delectable fusion of savory and sweet, offering a mouthwatering combination of crispy bacon and tender, flavorful chicken. The brown sugar seasoning adds a caramelized sweetness that perfectly complements the smoky richness of the bacon, making these chicken tenders a standout dish. Ideal for entertaining or a special family dinner, these tenders are sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys a deliciously unique take on a classic favorite.
